King Air 360 vs TBM 960
The King Air 360 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 360 (introduced 2021) against the Daher (TBM) TBM 960 (introduced 2022) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the King Air 360 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air 360 vs TBM 960: the key differences
- The King Air 360 delivers 47% more range (King Air 360: 2,539 nm; TBM 960: 1,730 nm).
- The TBM 960 delivers 6% more cruise speed (King Air 360: 312 kt; TBM 960: 330 kt).
- The King Air 360 delivers 83% more passenger capacity (King Air 360: 11 seats; TBM 960: 6 seats).
- The TBM 960 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2021 for the King Air 360), a gap of 1 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air 360 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (15,000 lbs versus 7,394 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air 360 runs 2 engines against 1 on the TBM 960 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The King Air 360 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,539 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The TBM 960, at 1,730 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the TBM 960's range, the King Air 360's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The TBM 960 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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King Air 360 vs TBM 960: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 360 or the TBM 960?
The King Air 360 has the longer published range — 2,539 nm versus 1,730 nm for the TBM 960.
Does the King Air 360 or TBM 960 seat more passengers?
The King Air 360 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 960.
Which is faster, the King Air 360 or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 cruises faster, at 330 kt versus 312 kt for the King Air 360.
Which is newer, the King Air 360 or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2021 for the King Air 360.
Is the King Air 360 or the TBM 960 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 360 is the larger aircraft — 15,000 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 960.
Should I buy the King Air 360 or the TBM 960?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The TBM 960 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the King Air 360 vs TBM 960?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.